THE SCENE: For one of the most anticipated designer collaborations, H&M this time was duly prepared for the launch. There was a long line outside of the store, however once inside, the crowd was calm and controlled, an army of staff was available, and the ground floor of the H&M flaghip on 51st and 5th Avenue was completely rearranged to accommodate the day. An hour and a half into the doors opening, the racks and display tables were still neat and fully stocked with a range of clothe and accessories while peoplke seemed to mill about and wait in the other line at the back of the store to try on shoes. This was the most interesting part of the whole event: people had to go to the second floor to get a wristband and then proceed back down stairst o wait in line to be entered into the “shoe holding pen” in groups  — on a time limit! Once you’re time was up, you had to get out of the ring and head right to the cashier, which was a row of waiting employees, one foot away. Kudos to H&M for finally figuring out how to properly manage these launches!

The COLLECTION: Although I’d been looking at pics online for ages, I realized that seeing the clothes and just looking at pictures of them can be two entirely different things! The clothing tended to be more of the evening sort and of on par quality with H&M, with embroidery and sequins galore, faux fur vest, jumpsuits, suede dresses, and plastic clutches, while the shoes were actually a little less exciting in person. My suggestion: less clothes, more shoes, overall lower price points.

If Jimmy Choo & H&M expect people to pay $100-$150 for four-inch-heels that provide zero padding or support, why won’t they just charge $50-$75? Lest we not forget that a designer collaboration in this nature is a teaming up of a designer brand with a lower-priced retailer — just because I’d like to pay less money for a pair of Jimmy Choos doesn’t mean that my tolerance of footpain would be any different than anyone who would pay $500 or $600 for a pair of shoes.

So in conclusion — good try, but I, and I think a lot of other people,  would at least be willing to rationalize 4-inch-heels that are killers, for $49.99, but the pricing of this collection is a little too much to rationalize on that front. Even though we may be pinching pennies these days, there are certain things that just shouldn’t be sacrficied-like well-made, comfortable footwear. Walking over to the H&M flagship I dropped off three pairs of shoes that I love to be re-heeled and re-soled for a total of $60 — now that’s a deal!

More photos from the Jimmy Choo for H&M launch…

From our friends at Fashion Pulse Daily

For a couple of weeks now I’ve seen a few women here and there wearing what appears to be their boyfriends’ shoes.  So I looked it up on Google, and sure enough, it’s a real thing, an actual trend for fall and winter.  It makes sense in context, I guess – with all the gender-bending fashion we’re seeing now and in the coming season, shoes were bound to follow at some point.

Personally, I like my shoes comfortable, so this is a welcome change of direction as far as I’m concerned.  Of course, you don’t have to raid a man’s closet in order to get the look; lots of designers are doing shoes for women that are inspired by styles that have traditionally belonged to men.  Check out these Christian Louboutin “Fred” Patent Leather Lace Up Jazz Shoes, cute as a button. Imagine pairing these up with a your favorite Current Elliott boyfriend jeans. Could be very, very cute if played the right way.

Heels have been getting taller and taller lately- eight inches anyone?  My feet really can’t handle it (being Lady Gaga for Halloween definitely took a toll on my poor tootsies- but it was sooo much fun being her)!
(gaga on left, geisha on right)

Hence, I am pretty excited that flats are so back, in a big way. No longer do you have to be tall to be chic. Flats can be fabulous too. Winter is just around the corner, give your toes some sass, and sparkle with some of my favorite flat picks.

Sparkle and Shine:

Sequins and rhinestones are big hits during the holiday season, why not bring the bling to your feet? Sassy flats can be as statement making as any old pair of platforms. Tone down the rest of your outfit, as to not appear a walking talking Christmas display. Go ahead and turn up the bright on your feet and watch heads turn!

Studded Styles:

These stunner’s are just too hot to trot (in). Fashion folks round the world have professed their undying love for this hardware, seen on purses and clothes. Obvious shoes were getting a bit jealous!

Menswear:

Another huge trend. It has been creeping up on us in form of button downs, slacks, fedora’s, and now shoes. I already own a fabulous pair of taupe oxfords, but may have to get another- the price on the F21 ones are great!

(Rhinestone Leopard Toe Flats, F21, $19.80; D&G Dolce and Gabbana Ballet Flats Studded, $945; Bronze Glittered Point Toe Flats, F21, $10.80; Christian Louboutin Rollerball, $995; Dorthy, Boutique 9, Nine West, $110; Wing Tip Oxfords, F21, $19.80; Maloles Studded Oxford, $455)

From our friends at BrandHabit

Kim Kardashian was seen as recent as a few days ago wearing her Report Fairfax boots at a Lakers Game. The thigh high boot trend is still very big. The Report Fairfax boots are all but sold out. The boots are now on re order and will only come back in stock in January. If you want to pre order a pair. Click here now to pre order.

Also, here is another option by Stuart Weitzman called the Hiho in Black Suede Footwear.Another pair that I love that look very similar to the Report Fairfax boots are the  Jessica Simpson Tulip Black Leather Footwear. Click the photos below to see the 2 alternative pairs of black platform boots if you don’t want to wait until January to wear your boots.

Kim Kardashian was seen a few weeks ago with her blond hair making milkshakes in West Hollywood wearing black thigh high boots. I am still not sure about this thigh high boot trend that every celebrity is sporting all over Los Angeles and New York City. You like it? Since these photos Kim Kardashian is back to her dark hair. I love the dark hair look on her better. I found the boots that she is wearing. If you want them, click here to buy them now.

From our friends at Shopping and Info

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These Sigerson Morrison boots are suede, which does not reflect light like leather does, and that, coupled with the fact that they have stretch, make them perfect for those with thicker legs. (If, like me, you have bony ankles, stay away.) The elastic around the top will keep them in place, and the three-inch heel is definitely manageable.

These Contente boots by Christian Louboutin are definitely an investment, but they’re so well engineered, they don’t even need zippers, stretch, or any whistles and bells to stay up. They also get bonus points for coming up the highest of any pair featured here, making them perfect for wearing with even your shortest dress.

More Over-the-Knee Boots after the jump…

Like the Sigerson Morrison boots above, these Barbara Bui boots are suede, but unlike the Sigerson Morrisons, they have both an inner zipper, for those who aren’t into allover stretch, as well as a hidden platform to add just a little bit more height. (The heel, however, appears just as sturdy.)

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Stuart Weitzman is probably best known for creating comfortable yet stylish shoes for women of a certain age; in the past I’ve found them a bit too conservative for my taste. Lately, he’s trying to appeal to his core customer’s daughter (without alienating Mom, of course), which, if you ask me, is a very welcome development. Boots like his suede square-toe platform style are a bargain for the price; I inspected these in person and can vouch that they’re soft yet structured, and there’s ample padding in the footbed–all the benefits of a mature boot with all the style of a young one. (They’re also available in leather, if you prefer.)

I can also vouch for Joie’s Twiggy boots, having seen them up close and in person. Joie’s footwear is only a few seasons old, but it’s quickly becoming a go-to brand for me; the shoes tend to be a bit more classic the very L.A.-girl bohemian clothes. This pair relies on a hidden elastic gore for the perfect fit.

For the best bang for your buck, I advocate the Britany2 boots from Topshop. They have a superslim fit, with a short inside zipper to help your foot can squeeze in. The platform and high heel are very runway-worthy, and while they don’t go quite as high as the Louboutins above, they’re pretty close.

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Now, you may be thinking, “I don’t know about knee-high boots. I’m just going to buy a cheap pair for now.” (Or, let’s say you don’t wear leather.) I’m going to show the customary bargain styles here, but be forewarned, they’re synthetic, which means your legs are going to sweat. And then they’re going to smell. So, if you must, please wear cotton socks. That said, the shape of Dollhouse’s Chrie boots is pretty decent, and they have an elastic gusset for a snug fit.

These Chinese Laundry Kingdom boots are a bit on the shiny side, but they’re stretchy, which, again, is good if you have more muscular legs. Also, I’ve had a pair of Chinese Laundry boots for nearly 10 years (they’re leather), and not only are they comfortable, but they’ve held up incredibly well with occasional re-soling.

Finally, these Charlotte Russe boots are ridiculously cheap, but at least the way they’re photographed, they look much more expensive. They even feature a hidden platform, a side zipper, and a padded footbed. All this for $45, and that explains why they’re nearly sold out. If you’re looking for a cheap-chic take on the trend, however, you can’t lose with this pair.

From our friends at Cheryl Shops

Imagine you in Jimmy Choo!

Finally, the day is almost here! When Jimmy Choo meets H&M. We think they will get along just fine. The Jimmy Choo collection is the first time H&M is collaborating with an accessories brand and we think it’s a pretty fabulous brand to go for on a first try!

And it sounds like quite a bit of work went into making this Jimmy Choo line happen for H&M. According to Tamara Mellon, the founder and president of Jimmy Choo, “It was a challenge for us to create high-quality pieces at an H&M price point.” Yes, well, we believe it! And since the line is more than just shoes and accessories, it will definitely be different from the traditional Jimmy Chool line.

And we’re interested to see how the line fares for H&M. We think it will be hugely popular (we hear they’re giving out wrist-bands for opening day!), but have to wonder if it will cheapen the Jimmy Choo brand as a whole. Clearly Mellon doesn’t think so or we’re sure she wouldn’t have agreed to the collaboration. She said, “It was H&M’s idea to [do clothes], and as soon as they said it, I really wanted to do it.” It will definitely allow them to meet a whole new audience; that’s for sure!

The line will include dresses in sequins, and what sounds like a lot of suede. We like it already. Mellon says, “It’s buy-now, wear-now for party season,” which is perfect since the line is coming out on November 14!

And there’s a men’s line too, which Mellon says was a bit more difficult to design. She says, “It’s what you want your husband or boyfriend to wear. It’s more about the cut than anything else.”

So, soon, you and your honey will be able to dress up in the hottest Jimmy Choo styles. But we’re hearing it’s still not going to be cheap (as far as H&M standards go). There’s a pair of hot knee-high boots that are still going for $299. But for Jimmy Choo boots? That’s a huge bargain!

Will you be stocking up on Jimmy Choo for H&M?

From our friends at LimeLife

Rag & Bone has quickly become one of my favorite clothing lines. Everything is cut incredibly well–I am a stickler for fit–and made of soft yet sturdy fabrics. Their clothes are quietly luxurious; nothing is flashy, but, that said, it’s all incredibly cool. They are expanding [subscription required] with lower-priced lines (called Rag & Bone/Jean and Rag & Bone/Shirt), sunglasses, and, for fall, shoes. And just like their clothes, Rag & Bone’s footwear is classic with a modern twist. I finally saw the line up close last week at Saks, and I’ve been thinking about the Newbury Booties ever since. The rounded toe is subtle, the chunky three-inch heel is practical, but the back zip and the seam details keep things interesting, and the leather is weathered-looking but ultra soft. They might not seem like the most exciting boots in your closet, but I bet they’re the pair you’ll end up wearing most. The only thing that’s not perfect about them is the price ($495), but if you order a pair within the next two hours from Shopbop, you can use code INTHEFAMILY15 and take 15% off. (Hey, every little bit helps.) Assuming the boots are as great as the rest of the Rag & Bone line, I think you’ll be wearing them forever, which makes them well worth the splurge.

From our friends at Cheryl Shops

Nina Z clogs are made for modern urban ladies and are 70s-inspired retro in both design and name. Clog enthusiasts will undoubtedly leap at the opportunity to slide on a pair of Lena, Ingrid, Mona, or Sonjas. Also available in select stores and on the website are Ronja boots ($195, see pic below), named after a well-known Swedish folklorian character from the Astrid Lindgren novel, Ronja, The Robber’s Daughter.

All products, which include sandals, closed-toe and boot styles, are made in Sweden. The European Birch wood with recycled rubber soles are surprisingly much more comfortable than they appear, and are clearly made to last. Furthermore, nail heads are individually air-driven so as to guarantee that each shoe is processed with a personal touch.

As any decent New York shopper knows, winter styles start appearing in shops as early as late summer. Before we know it, Spring will have  sprung in shop windows all across Fifth Avenue. For this reason, long-term clog devotees and newcomers alike should jump on the opportunity to grab these shoes before they fly out of the stores next season. Find them in specially selected shops in Manhattan, Brooklyn,
or online at the Nina Z website.

From our friends at Short and Sweet NYC

Bobux is a New Zealand based company which manufactures baby shoes with Eco-Leather. Eco-Leather meets environmental and international safety standards so you can be sure that all Bobux products are safe for baby and safe for the environment.

Bobux original baby shoes:

• have slip-resistant, flexible soles
• have Character designs that face the baby (great idea!)
• protect baby’s feet yet allow freedom just like being barefoot
• are pediatrician recommended!
• are available in many different designs
• come in sizes extra small through extra large

Bobux leather baby shoes are perfect for infants, crawlers and pre-walkers.  Their soft flexible soles provide comfort and protection for little feet. Not only are they adorable, but they functional.  These baby shoes stay where they are meant to- right on baby’s feet.